Great Futures Start Here: Looking ahead to a new year of opportunity

Published 2:30 am Wednesday, January 21, 2026

By Mary Budke

As a new year begins, there’s a special sense of new possibilities in the air. Each January invites us to reflect on where we’ve been and, more importantly, where we’re going. Every day after school, as laughter fills the rooms of our Boys & Girls Clubs in Port Angeles and Sequim, I’m reminded that the future of our community isn’t some distant idea — it’s taking shape right here, right now.

Inside these walls are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and citizens: young people who will one day teach in our classrooms, care for us in our hospitals, lead local businesses, and give back to the community that helped raise them.

At the Boys & Girls Club, we like to say, “We Grow Our Own.” As we step into a new year, that guiding principle feels especially important. It’s more than a slogan — it’s a promise. Every day, we plant seeds of confidence, curiosity, and compassion in the lives of the youth we serve. With the support of dedicated staff and a welcoming environment, those seeds grow into lifelong skills that strengthen our entire community. We see the results years later, in our Club alumni.

Take Dominick, for example. When he first came to the Club, school was a struggle. He often felt like he didn’t fit in and wasn’t sure where he belonged. But at the Club, he found caring mentors who saw his potential and friends who welcomed him for who he was. He learned teamwork in the gym, responsibility as a youth worker in the Summer Food Program, and perseverance in the homework club.

Slowly, the boy who once doubted himself discovered he was capable of more than he ever imagined. Today, Dominick is a college graduate and a physical education teacher at a local elementary school, passing along those same lessons of teamwork and perseverance to the next generation.

Then there’s Jackie, who remembers the Club as her second home growing up. She recalls feeling safe, supported, and nurtured. Now, as an assistant manager at a well-known local restaurant, Jackie leads her team with the same care and encouragement she once received. This new chapter is especially meaningful because Jackie is now a Club parent. Her young daughter attends our Great Futures Preschool, continuing an impactful circle of growth and sense of belonging.

Ron, a local electrician and proud former member of the Carroll C. Kendall Club, recently reflected on his time here. He remembers the fun — games, friendships, and learning new skills — but what resonates most is how much the Club still matters to him today

“The community needs this place,” Ron says. “It’s very important this building stays open.”

His words are a powerful reminder that the Club’s impact doesn’t end when childhood does; it creates lifelong connections that continue to strengthen the community we all call home.

Sean’s story also speaks to the power of Club experiences. Growing up in the Clubs, he loved the field trips that opened his eyes to new possibilities. Those moments, paired with consistent support from mentors, helped shape his confidence and character. Today, Sean is a local realtor and restaurant manager, and he often credits the Club as a key influence in his life. Forever grateful for the foundation it provided, he’s paying it forward as a Club parent. His son attended our preschool, continuing a legacy of opportunity across generations.

Stories like these are the heartbeat of our mission. As one year gives way to the next, every child who walks through our doors has a story waiting to unfold. At the Club, kids learn the value of hard work, kindness, and resilience. They discover confidence through art, leadership through service, and courage through mentorship. Our programs don’t just fill after-school hours; they help shape futures.

As we look to what’s next, our purpose remains clear: to reach more children and continue growing our own right here on the Olympic Peninsula. We can only do that with the support of our community. Every volunteer, donor, and partner helps shape these futures. When you support the Boys & Girls Club, you’re investing in teachers like Dominick, leaders like Jackie, and community champions like Ron and Sean.

Together, in this new year and beyond, we can ensure every child has a safe place to learn, grow, and dream big — because when we grow our own, everyone thrives.